Recommended Adventure Gear

We have covered many miles and race courses using a variety of gear over the years. Along with great feedback from our MPF team, clients and friends, we have narrowed it down to the essentials and what simply works.

Petzel REACTIK+ Headlamp 300 Lumens - This is one of there newer versions and offers re-chargability using a USB cable which is great if your constantly using it. It is also comparable with lithium batteries and rechargeable Ni-MH using a separate battery case. You can also buy additional rechargeable battery packs for around $30, click here.

Ultimate Direction Wasp Hydration Pack - he Wasp has been a long time favorite in the UD line of hydration packs, so we did't want to change it too much. We simply updated the materials and spruced up the styling. The Wasp still has a great fit and rides smooth with access pockets on the front and a secure place for your reservoir in the back. The seamless back panel eliminates chafe, the soft cool wick material promote air flow and the Power stretch mesh all allows you to cram it full of gear - all so you'll to forget you even have the pack on and enjoy your adventure.

Nathan HPL 020 Vest - This is a great pack that got better. They updated the adjustment straps which was needed and they are much easier to use. This pack can be used for quick outings or long adventures that have aid a long the way. You can't carry everything but you can carry enough for most runs.

Frontiersman Bear Spray - Maximum Strength - 7.9 oz (30-Foot Range) or 9.2 oz (Industry Maximum 35-Foot Range) - Nothing ruins a good hike as fast as a large, menacing bear. Now you can protect yourself on hikes wherever you go with this Frontiersman bear attack deterrent, which is proven effective against grizzlies, brown and black bears, and a variety of other large mammals. Available in 7.9- and 9.2-ounce sizes, Frontiersman deterrent boasts a range of 35 feet--up to 3 feet further than other bear sprays. This is a huge advantage when hiking, as charging bears can cover more than 30 feet per second. To use, simply spray the dual-propellant system in the direction of the bear. Each one-second blast of Frontiersman contains up to 84 percent more spray than other brands, putting a large barrier between you and the charging bear. Within five seconds, the can will be empty and you'll be protected by a heavy fog of oleoresin capsicum--a natural, resin-like substance derived from hot peppers.

Avenza PDF Maps for iPhone & Android Devices - The Avenza PDF App is a leap forward in navigation and can reliably guide you out on the trails. However, this app should never be used as the only way to navigate and should always be accompanied by a hard copy version of the map because it will burn through your battery life pretty quickly. We use it primarily as a backup and to pinpoint our exact location, which it does a great job at. Make sure your phone is fully charged, updated to the latest version and you have an additional power supply.

New York / New Jersey Trail Conference Maps - Official Trail Conference Maps are your best guides to exploring the great outdoors in the New York-New Jersey region, including Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, the Catskills, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Mohonk Preserve, the Kittatinny Ridge and Delaware Water Gap, the Palisades, North Jersey Highlands, Storm King State Park, Black Rock Forest, Schunemunk Mountain, Sterling Forest State Park, East Hudson Highlands, Breakneck Ridge, Fahnestock State Park and the South Taconics.

Petzl NAO+ Headlamp - With 750 lumens of power, the Petzl NAO + Headlamp sets the standard for challenging night activities. It is intelligent, programmable, and entirely devoted to performance. With the MyPetzl Light mobile app, athletes can consult their smartphone or tablet in real time to check remaining burn time, and adjust headlamp performance accordingly. Users simply download the profiles provided or create their own personalized ones. REACTIVE LIGHTING technology: the light sensor automatically adjusts brightness and beam pattern, optimizing battery use depending on the chosen burn time (6.5 h or 15 h), brightness automatically self-regulates in one of two modes, optimizing battery use. $200 on Amazon.

Ultimate Direction Wink (women) - The Wink is a long time favorite women's pack that has been in the UD line for years. We didn't want to change too many things on this pack as it is super popular and honestly, not a whole lot was wrong with it. We simply updated the styling and upgraded the materials. The New Wink fits most women extremely well and has all the storage you need while on the go. Pockets up front for easy access, secure reservoir pouch in the back and soft Cool Wick Air Mesh material for comfort. The pack has function and fashion suitable for any self propelled endeavour.

LifeStraw - Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria (>LOG 6 reduction) and surpasses EPA standards for water filters. Removes minimum 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites (>LOG 3 reduction) and filters to an amazing 0.2 microns. Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water WITHOUT iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals. LifeStraw contains no chemicals, no batteries and no moving parts to wear out. It features a high flow rate and weighs only 2oz. It is perfect for the Ultralight backpacker, camper, hiker, traveler, boy scout, hunter or for emergencies. Unlike many similar filters on the market today, LifeStraw has met EPA standards for water filtration in independent testing. LifeStraw has been used around the world under extreme conditions for humanitarian relief. Does not filter chemicals, salt, viruses, heavy metals, taste. Please NOTE: It takes roughly 3-5 seconds of sucking to start the flow of water through the filter.

Sawyer Mini Filtration System - The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a second generation filter that is the lightest and most versatile personal filtration system from Sawyer. With a total field weight of 2 ounces it fits in the palm of your hand. This tiny filter does the same job that the Sawyer PointOne filter does but now in a more compact, personal size. The Sawyer Mini filter is perfect for everything from camping with the kids to traveling abroad where tap and bottle water cannot be trusted. The filter removes 7 log (99.99999%) of all bacteria (like salmonella) as well as other harmful bacteria which causes cholera and E. coli and 6 log (99.9999%) of all protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium. These removal rates equal or exceed other filter options. EPA guidelines allow ten times more protozoa left in the water than Sawyer PointOne filters allow. Attach the Mini to the included drinking pouch, use the included straw to drink directly from your water source, connect it to hydration pack tubing (sold separately), or screw it onto standard disposable bottles (28 mm thread). The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is rated up to 100,000 gallons. It comes with 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch, 7-inch drinking straw, and cleaning plunger.

NiteRider Lumina 750 Light - A USB Rechargeable Cycling light with a run times of 1.5 hours on High (750 lumens), 3 hours on Medium (350 lumens), 5.5 hours on Low (200 lumens) and 18 hours on Walk (40 lumens). $65 on Amazon

Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 - Designed for everything from peak bagging to endurance running, the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 Backpack gives you what you need to get it done without weighing you down with extra doodads. Holds 15-23 liters. Check out our Gear Review. For more storage, check out the Fastpack 30 (20-30 liters), click here.

Ultimate Direction Women's Ultra Vest - Ultimate Direction made the 2nd generation even better. More fluid capacity, more storage up front, better organization in the rear ... and it weighs less.

Kahtoola Microspikes - These are essential for winter travel, especially when conditions are icy. We rely on this for most of our winter trail runs and hikes. This traction system allows anyone, of any age, to get out and safely enjoy winter. These slip-on spikes dig into all types of terrain — ice, packed snow, wet rocks, concrete, and scree. Extremely durable, they attach securely to your footwear and require no special buckles or straps.

UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case, 25 Stormproof Matches and 3 Strikers - Stormproof Matches are windproof, waterproof, light up quickly and consistently in driving rain, heavy winds, and falling snow with a burn time of up to 15 seconds-plus they will relight after being submerged in water. Each kit includes 25 Stormproof Matches, 3 strikers, and a cotton ball inside a waterproof case that floats. The waterproof, durable ABS plastic case can hold up to 40 Stormproof Matches (alternate the match tips with some facing up and some facing down) for longer trips for when you need the added security to build a fire.

Recommended Fitness Apps & Websites

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